Paying For College

Paying For College

Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) is a California State Law that allows students who meet certain requirements to pay in-state tuition fees at any UC, CSU, or California Community College, regardless of immigration status. Undocumented individuals, T and U visa holders, U.S. citizens, and lawfully present immigrants that meet eligibility criteria can apply. Individuals with international student visas, visitor visas, or other “non-immigrant” statuses are not eligible to apply.

Eligibility (must meet all of the following criterion)

• Three full-time years of attendance or attainment of equivalent credit earned in CA from
  • High school
  • Adult High School
  • Community College
  • Or any combination of above

OR

• Three years of High School coursework and three years of total attendance in a CA:
  • Elementary School
  • Secondary School
  • Or any combination of these two

AND

• Graduated from a California high school, obtained a G.E.D or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam prior to the first day of the semester; or attained an associate degree from CA Community College, or Fulfill minimum transfer requirements for University of California or California State University
• Registered or enrolled at a California Community College;
• File an AB 540 affidavit stating you have filed (or will file when you are eligible to do so) for legal immigration status.

What is SB 68?

SB 68 expands AB 540 to enable students to count years spent at a California Community College and Adult School towards AB 540 eligibility. Additionally, the bill will allow the completion of an Associate’s Degree or satisfaction of the minimum requirements to transfer to the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) to meet the degree or unit requirements. These new eligibility criteria expand possibilities for students educated in CA to qualify for in-state tuition and state-based financial aid at CCCs, CSUs, and UCs.
View more information about SB 68.

To Apply for AB 540 status

• Complete this Affidavit.
• Submit to the Admissions Office located in Building 3300 at the Oceanside Campus or in the Administration Building at the San Elijo Campus.
• Questions? Email admissions@miracosta.edu.

Financial Aid

To qualify you must:

• Be approved for AB 540 status by the Admissions Office.
• Complete and submit the online California Dream Act Application.

As an AB 540 student you are eligible to apply for state financial aid. To determine eligibility you must complete and submit the online California Dream Act Application. Priority filing/application period is October 1 - March 2.

For additional questions or information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 760.795.6711.

Available Services

• State financial aid like the California College Promise Grant (formerly known as BOGW), Cal Grants and Chafee Grants - determined through your California Dream Act Application.
• Scholarships
• Assistance from EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs
• MiraCosta College Textbook Loan Program
• California Dream Act Information
• Additional Information regarding AB540
• Immigrants’ Rights Under a Trump Presidency: FAQs for Students, Educators and Social Services Providers

Financial Aid Eligibility After MiraCosta

• UC
• CSU

See what other college and universities have to offer:

• California State Universities
• University of California
• California Community Colleges

If the college or university that you are interested in is not listed above please visit the individual school's website for information regarding AB 540 policies and resources.

Additional information

• Comparison Chart
  The CA Dream Act, Federal Dream Act, AB 540, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). 
• Immigrants Rising
  Immigrants Rising was created to encourage all immigrants, regardless of legal status, to create their own opportunities, earn a living, and thrive through entrepreneurship. 
• Life after College
  A Guide for Undocumented Students.